‘Your works may not be published’

They came for inspiration. Tagged Meet the authors, the writers’ parley held at Redeemers University, Nigeria (RUN), exposed aspiring writers to the realities of the literary vocation. Evelyn Osagie reports.

They dream of ruling the world with their writings which may one day fill the shelves of Nigerian and international bookstores. They are the next generation of writers. But, for now, they are still students, living their dreams.

Determined that Nigerian writing would take the centre stage of future global creative industry, writers shared their literary experience with aspiring ones, under the auspices of the English Students Association, Redeemers University, Nigeria (ESARUN). Their experiences came as shocking realities and more to wanna-be writers at the parley, tagged

Meet the authors.

The authors said the writing vocation is not an easy one. Oftentimes, writers still have to do something on the side to sustain their writings, it was said.

"I started writing in secondary school. I wrote all kinds of things and gave them to my siblings – they were my first critics. It was interesting that I could write down my thoughts. Writers write because of the passion of using words to communicate. Although we hope to make money from our books, as a writer, one doesn’t start thinking of money first because you would be disappointed. I have been writing for years but it is not my writings that sustain me. I also teach," Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) said.

The event also had as guests, professors Ahmed Yerima and Jide Osuntokun, who was represented by Dr Olumide Ekanade, and the Secretary of Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Lagos State’s chapter, Ayo Dada.

To be relevant on the future global scene, the authors said, aspiring ones should stay passionate about their writings, read wide, hone their skills, edit their manuscripts properly, get professional help, avoid self-publishing and, as a last resort, publish themselves, among others.

"Don’t be discouraged but realise that there are challenges," Prof. Adimora-Ezeigbo said as she recounted her experience as a little girl experimenting with words.

"Some of the things you write may never be published." The author, who is working on her poetry collection after publishing 37 books, said her first novel, whose thematic preoccupation was on the Osu caste system, never saw the light of day. However, that did not stop her from following her dream.

"As a next generation of writers, continue writing and make more efforts to get better; never give up. Writing is hard work: while others are partying and sleeping, keep writing. And one day you will achieve your dream," she said.

The writer’s muse often comes visiting when one is not ready. This, the authors and aspiring ones noted, is a challenge they are forced to deal with.

To this, Prof. Adimora-Ezeigbo suggested: "I always carry a notebook with me. Carry one with you because once you don’t put down that inspired line you lose it forever."

She urged the students to pay attention to their studies, saying their priority is graduating with good grades. "I married my husband in my second year and was pregnant in my third; but I was still able to make a 2-1 grade because I read more. The most important thing for now is your degree. You cannot afford to fail – focus more on your studies and career."

As academics, the professors noted that the academia has helped develop and popularise their writings. Yerima said both are complementary. He, however, lamented that winning the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) has challenged him to write better plays.

He said: "Writing is like cooking and mixing the right ingredients. It involves researching. And in researching, you ask questions. The university is not a constraint but a blessing to a writer. The academia gives me the discipline for research. It is the only environment that allows for research, critique, and situates ones work within yesterday, today and future generation. It has become more difficult to write a play since 2006 when I won the NLNG prize. It had put more pressure on me to write better plays."

Dada, author of Ghost Zina, said he started as an accountant, but discovered his creative essence after experiencing a heart break. "2,000 poems followed the tragic case of a guy who became a writer through a heart break – me. It led to the self-realisation of this side of me. Today, I am also a publisher. "

He spoke about the dynamics of writing and the publication process, urging the students to pay more attention to the development in the e-industry. "Get your books into the international market through the e-industry. The Internet is the cheapest and easiest way to get global audience; explore the possibilities available," he advised.

ESARUN president Miss Temilade Onafuwa said the event motivated her more to aspire to becoming a writer of repute. "I have always wanted to be a writer and had always dreamed of meeting great writers such as our guests speakers. Hearing them speak has encouraged me more to becoming a very good and popular writer."

Dr Ofure Aito, RUN lecturer presented Ram Syndrome, written by Prof. Adimora-Ezeigbo. Alongside their lecturers, ESARUN members presented the writers with awards for their contribution towards creative writing in the country.